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HEY GUYZ!!!!!So I tested positive for HIV in July 12th, 2012 and finally got to see my HIV doctor a few days ago this August 27th, 2012 and he showed me my viral load and all other infos I needed to know.

I have started treatment. I take Isentress 1 tablet twice a day and Truvada 1 tablet once a day. So far it has given me no single noticeable side effect. I was afraid of diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, and other numerous side-effects but so far nothing has happened and I pray it remains that way. It gives a better sense of confidence and willingness to continue living my life. I thank God.

He said he found it quite unusual that I had such a low viral load for someone who just contracted the virus within that 6 months window because I tested negative November 2011.

Hey buddy, I had similar numbers to yours (CD4,VL,%). I think my VL was 2696 when I tested poz and I had yearly HIV tests so I was poz for a max of 1 year at that point.My doc also found it a bit odd with such a low VL "early" in. No idea why thou and I dont know if it matters really. Anyway good luck and keep us posted on your progress, Im guessing youll draw bloods in another month or so,so hope to hear from ya then

I have been on the same combo as you for a year now and it has been great, No side effects and after a while, it just becomes routine taking the pills like vitamins or brushing your teeth. We really need to have a ton of gratitude to those who walked this road before us that ours is so easy relatively speaking. Keep your chin up, all shall be well.

PerfectlyHuman,As you see by my sig I am on the same meds as well. As Cojo said, taking my meds have become a routine. I keep extra meds stashed at work in case I have an emergency and have to work longer that normal.No side effects and now my doctor visits have been spaced out to every six months since I am so stable.Also, you might want to check into the patient assistance programs from Truvada & Isentress that pick up the copay if you have insurance.Peace,Billy

Hey buddy, I had similar numbers to yours (CD4,VL,%). I think my VL was 2696 when I tested poz and I had yearly HIV tests so I was poz for a max of 1 year at that point.My doc also found it a bit odd with such a low VL "early" in. No idea why thou and I dont know if it matters really. Anyway good luck and keep us posted on your progress, Im guessing youll draw bloods in another month or so,so hope to hear from ya then

Man I hope it does matter to some extent. My doctor said that my HIV was not aggressive. Now isn't HIV-1 usually non-aggressive? My next appointment is in October. Its a long wait but as long as the labs come out good I'm not gonna worry myself.

I have been on the same combo as you for a year now and it has been great, No side effects and after a while, it just becomes routine taking the pills like vitamins or brushing your teeth. We really need to have a ton of gratitude to those who walked this road before us that ours is so easy relatively speaking. Keep your chin up, all shall be well.

I totally agree. It could be worse but I thank God. My only issue now is that feeling of loneliness but I do have friends and some people I have met online. Haven't seen them tho. I work full-time and is in school full-time so I guess that is enough distraction for me already.

PerfectlyHuman,As you see by my sig I am on the same meds as well. As Cojo said, taking my meds have become a routine. I keep extra meds stashed at work in case I have an emergency and have to work longer that normal.No side effects and now my doctor visits have been spaced out to every six months since I am so stable.Also, you might want to check into the patient assistance programs from Truvada & Isentress that pick up the copay if you have insurance.Peace,Billy

Yeah I have enrolled in the co-pay program and paid $0.00 the last time I got my meds. Its supposed to last for a year. Now after that can you still get co-pays or will that be the last?

Man I hope it does matter to some extent. My doctor said that my HIV was not aggressive. Now isn't HIV-1 usually non-aggressive? My next appointment is in October. Its a long wait but as long as the labs come out good I'm not gonna worry myself.

My doctor said I was able to control the virus. Maybe he just said that to cheer me up cuz I was actually worse than the average haha . I thought in the beginning that my virus was very fit and It didnt need to grow in numbers but were still able to eradicate my immune system (now how is that for self fulfilling prophecy!). But I guess Ill never know for sure, only one way to find out yeah

My biggest concern with my numbers were just as you, it wasnt what "the norm" , and instantly that led me to think that all I read, which promised a decent lifespan and quality with HIV didnt really apply to me. But thats already passed, Im 3 months in now. First month was ROUGH no doubt the hardest thing I ever dealt with in life! But as the folks here say it does get better with time and wow were they right. Im not sayin I can not run into problems up the road but after starting meds and taking care of myself things are back to normal and I cant say life with HIV sucks, sure I could do without but to be honest things arent that bad and could be a hell lot worse, HIV or no HIV.

Im sure your labs will be just fine, and whenever something is out of whack there are procedures to take care of that. Keep that poz attitude and theres tons of great moments ahead to experience.

My doctor said that my HIV was not aggressive. Now isn't HIV-1 usually non-aggressive?

Not sure what your doctor means with 'agressive' here but HIV-I (which is what virtually all of us here have) is more virulent and invective in comparison to HIV-II (which almost exclusively occurs in West Africa).

I think my VL was 2696 when I tested poz and I had yearly HIV tests so I was poz for a max of 1 year at that point. My doc also found it a bit odd with such a low VL "early" in.

have you ever seen this graph? It shows how at first HIV floods a person's system immediately after infection. Then it drops dramatically, and stays low for several years. It then begins the process of slowing destroying a person's immune system while increasing it's own viral load.

at a year poz, your doctor really should not have been surprised at the low VL as that is the normal course after the initial high during the first few months. It's that drastic drop in VL that results in people being positive but not sick for years (well, you're infected and your immune system is eroding so technically you are "sick" you just don't know it .... yet)

Thanks, Leatherman. I someday promise to gain the capacity to do that with graphs and stuff, it would save me hundreds of words and be understandable

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"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

have you ever seen this graph? It shows how at first HIV floods a person's system immediately after infection. Then it drops dramatically, and stays low for several years. It then begins the process of slowing destroying a person's immune system while increasing it's own viral load.

at a year poz, your doctor really should not have been surprised at the low VL as that is the normal course after the initial high during the first few months. It's that drastic drop in VL that results in people being positive but not sick for years (well, you're infected and your immune system is eroding so technically you are "sick" you just don't know it .... yet)

Seen the graph. Still my numbers doesnt fit. I wrote MAX a year poz because of the tests I had but very likely it was much less than that. Lile I wrote, doesnt matter to me, but it shows that the graph youve been spraying all over this forum doesnt apply to everyone.

Seen the graph. Still my numbers doesnt fit. I wrote MAX a year poz because of the tests I had but very likely it was much less than that. Lile I wrote, doesnt matter to me, but it shows that the graph youve been spraying all over this forum doesnt apply to everyone.

it sure does fit you. If you were past the 2-3 month period your VL might have gone down from millions to mere thousands. but whatever, ignore the science.

I find the statement / inference that Leatherman "sprays his graph around the forum" to be highly inappropriate and uncalled for. You will be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable, generous and kindhearted soul on here than him. Please, a little more respect where tons of respect is due....

Seen the graph. Still my numbers doesnt fit. I wrote MAX a year poz because of the tests I had but very likely it was much less than that. Lile I wrote, doesnt matter to me, but it shows that the graph youve been spraying all over this forum doesnt apply to everyone.

Great graph - pretty much follows how my progress has been going.... thx Phil

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Dear Optimist, Pessimist, and Realist, While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it! Sincerely, The Opportunist